A Year on Brainstorm Road
Following a dream
A year ago, I decided to get serious about finishing my historical novel. I wanted to approach my research and writing differently since my attempts to get unstuck had not been working. When I saw an email from Margo about Brainstorm Road , I knew in an instant this was the right thing for me.
After two six-month commitments on the Road, I have a better foundation for my writing process with confidence in my download (freefall, pen on paper, let the story flow and tell itself) and improved skills with the upload phase (story structure, character arcs and formal editing practices). See my previous posts featuring my historical fiction novel.
I prefer my learning and growth to be self-directed. Being my own guide works when I have strengths and experience to go forward with. Yet when I am trying something new, or stuck in my old ways, and thus blind to my gaps, it is helpful to have feedback and inspiration from others.
Rick is the community lead on Brainstorm Road and I am a fan of his coaching! On the Road, we’re all in a similar spot with musicians, artists, podcasters, poets, and writers – creatives of all shapes and sizes – working on their dream project.
Brainstorm Road, is a strong, supportive community, with a common aspect of pursuing our dreams. I think the focus on dreams is what makes us different; I interact with members with the clear intention to support another person’s dream (and am very conscious about not crushing those dreams inadvertently). The fellow Roadies are gracious, generous, and available to cheer me on each week. I am continuously inspired to see others’ projects – the group represents a satisfying diversity and range of creativity.
I’m renewing for another six months. Going forward, I’m ten thousand words into my second novel, and I now have the capacity to be working on other creative endeavors (such as this Substack!). I am thrilled to be following my dream to be a novelist. I’ve realized I need to approach my creativity differently than how I pursued my career. My creative muse does not like to be scheduled into a project plan, that’s for sure!
Pursuing this dream, to be a writer, I feel more like myself. More like I felt when I was at the peak of my career, as a workplace learning facilitator, over a decade ago. It’s never too late to begin again.
The next cohort opens in April. Follow Margo and Kristin over here to find out more.
Is it time to get serious about your dreams?
If not now, when?
congratulations and love this shared perspective!
Such a generous and inspiring post, and glad you're a fan :) Excited to hear that you're feeling more like yourself and that the novel writing (and other creative projects) are coming along. Looking forward to another round on the Road with you!